Former member of the Easybeats and Australian music pioneer George Young has died aged 70.

As a songwriting team, Young and buddy Harry Vanda penned some of the greatest hits of the 70s, including the Easybeats' classic Friday on my Mind, John Paul Young's disco hit Love is in the Air and Stevie Wright's chart-topping Evie Parts 1, 2 and 3.

Wright and Vanda were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1988, and even a song-writing award named after them.

Brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, of AC/DC fame, said that without George, there would have been no AC/DC.

"As a musician, songwriter, producer, advisor, and much, much more, you could not ask for a more dedicated and professional man," said the band.

"As a brother, you could not ask for a finer brother. For all he did and gave to us throughout his life, we will always remember him with gratitude and hold him close to our hearts."

George Young contributed so much to Australian music and his loss will be felt by artists and listeners alike.

Vale George Young.